The Best Patio Pieces

Galvanized zinc makes a rugged (and rust-resistant) tabletop, and the solid eucalyptus base brings a nice, contrasting twist. You might notice signs of wear over time on the zinc—just consider it character. The Torrey chair is built of synthetic material that resembles wicker but will resist sun, rain, heat and cold—perfect for outdoor dining.

To buy: Pottery Barn Abbot Table, $1,399; Pottery Barn Torrey Armchair, $349

A porcelain-cast Kerr Mason Jar turns into a beautiful glowing lantern when a standard tea light is placed inside. Hang it up with the attached hand-wrapped black galvanized steel wire.

To buy: Pigeon Toe Ceramics, $36

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Target's Smith & Hawken Avignon collection is both pretty and practical. The teak won't rot, split or buckle, making it perfect for backyard life. Mortise and tenon joints will help it endure for years to come. Choose from a variety of colors for the weatherproof chair cushions.

To buy: Avignon Teak Table, $1,099; Avignon Teak Chair, $429, Avignon Rocker Cushion, $67

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Unbleached cotton is used for these 16-by-16-inch napkins. They're both soft and durable, and—bonus—machine washable. Stitching around the entire napkins will keep the raw edges from fraying.

To buy: Home Goods Ala carte, $16 for 4

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All the pieces in Target Home's Dumont collection are made of rust-proof aluminum powder coated a stylish black. The material that lines the chairs will resist fading, water and spills—a damp cloth is all you'll need to wipe it clean.

To buy: Dumont 4-Piece Dining Chair Set, $169; Dumont 2-piece Motion Dining Chairs Set, $149; Dumont Dining Table, $124 (in stores only); Dumont Umbrella, $144

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This solid table from Restoration Hardware is made from century-old reclaimed elm doors, and it is sealed with lacquer to protect the wood from the elements. It does require a bit of care—dust it with a dry, clean cloth weekly, and cover it when not in use—but the effort is well worth the great look. The Biscayne armchair is made of rustproof aluminum wrapped in all-weather wicker. Cushions are available in 54 different fabrics.

To buy: Larkspur Dining Table, $3,295; Biscayne Armchair, $695 to $765; Biscayne Armchair Cushion, $195 to $310

Dining outdoors isn't all about tables and chairs. We know you'll get thirsty out there too. Serve your sangria, punch or iced tea in style with Pottery Barn's glass drink dispenser. Pretty drinks with garnishes like fruit or mint leaves will look especially good in the glass container. This particular dispenser is inspired by a vintage cocktail shaker.

To buy: Pottery Barn, $59 to $79

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Interested in something hand-crafted? Try Restoration Hardware's Brickmaker's Dining Table, which is made of reclaimed Belgian azobe wood. Azobe wood is weather-resistant, strong and tight-grained—in other words, a great bet for outdoor dining. Complete the look with vintage crates found at a Parisian farmers market, turned into chairs with the addition of a cushion (over 54 fabric options).

To buy: Brickmaker's Dining Table, $2,465; Vintage Market Crate Chair, $195

Light up your outdoor dining area with these whimsical candle holders. With a birdcage-like look, they'll bring a funky flair to any dinner party. Get it in navy or khaki.

To buy: Target, $15

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A classic hardwood table and chairs from Pottery Barn are perfect for any patio. The Chesapeake line is made of eucalyptus—dense and fine-grained, it's rich in moisture-resistant oils. It also is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as being sustainably harvested. All the pieces are coated with a long-wearing polyurethane stain, which will keep it beautiful for many years to come. Especially cool are the banquettes, which come in all different sizes—they've even got one for those hard-to-fit corner spaces.

To buy: Chesapeake Table With Six Chairs, $1,993; Chesapeake Banquettes and Cushions, $39 to $299

Lisa Jones of Pigeon Toe Ceramics is one of our favorite designers. Splurge on her Scribble pitcher and tumblers. They are perfect for a refreshing lemonade or other—more adult—drinks. The goods are hand-thrown and made to order. You have your choice of 16 different interior colors, so they'll fit with your existing dinnerware. How will you get all these lovely pieces outside? Try Pigeon Toe's slatted wood tray—it's handcrafted in Portland with sustainably sourced wood and put together with no screws.

To buy: Pigeon Toe Pitcher, $68; Pigeon Toe Tumbler, $36; Pigeon Toe Wood Tray, $98

Settle in to a long lunch with Target's Smith & Hawken's Belvi woven armchair. It's made of all-weather wicker and a rust-proof aluminum frame. The whole thing is coated with a non-toxic, solvent-free powdered finish that protects against scratches and UV rays. The cushions, available in a variety of colors, are resistant to UV rays, tears, fading and mildew. Pair it with the Avignon teak table for a great, sturdy outdoor set.

To buy: Belvi Woven Armchair, $424; Belvi Chair Cushion, $67; Avignon Teak Table, $1,099

Make your table unique with these 100 percent organic cotton screen-printed napkins, made to order. We love the hand-drawn birch tree pattern. Plus they're machine washable, and—if you're feeling fancy—can be lightly ironed.

To buy: Oh, Little Rabbit Birch Tree Napkins, $22 for 4

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Feel like you're in charge with Pottery Barn's Chesapeake Director's Chair Set. The eucalyptus wood of the table and acacia wood of the chairs are both certified by the Forest Stewardship Council as being sustainably harvested—and both are also moisture resistant. The chairs fold up, so they'll be easy to store during your offseason. The seats and backs of the chairs (available in four colors and patterns) are removable for washing.

To buy: Pottery Barn, $1,173 for table and 6 chairs

Whether they're sitting in your garden during the day or strung up (and lit up) on your porch at night, Target's Smith & Hawken Metal Cage String Lights will bring a lovely, rustic touch. They come in strands of 10 lights.

To buy: Target, $25 (in stores only)

Embrace a little 1950s Hollywood glamor with the Mulholland line. Solid brass frames combine with woven "Sunbrella" straps for a tailored sofa and chairs. The same brass—which will acquire a matte, bronzy patina over time—is used for the tables.

To buy: Mulholland Sofa, $2,950; Mulholland Side Chair, $950; Mulholland Dining Table, $3,295; Mulholland Side Table, $865

Target's Room Essentials LaSalle Bistro Set is perfect for a balcony or small patio and is available in tons of fun colors. The stainless-steel table and chairs are lightweight, but still weather-resistant and durable.

To buy: Target, $100

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